An awareness campaign to put a volunteer in a glass box for two days in a Birmingham Tesco has been cancelled after complaints from people with autism.

The idea of Locked In For Autism, devised by national charity Caudwell Children to raise funds and awareness, was for someone to spend 50 hours inside the three by two metre glass box in the foyer of Tesco Extra in New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield, next week.

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“There were many objections when the campaign was announced. We have mobilised, resulting in the withdrawal of support from Tesco and the suspension of the stunt by Caudwell. Our aim is to have Caudwell permanently abandon this stunt and to find better, more appropriate campaigns.”

A spokesman for Caudwell Children says: “We are listening to the concerns being raised, which we take very seriously.

“Our sole purpose is to help the children and families who need it and our team are dedicated and passionate about achieving that aim.

“Since Locked In For Autism was launched it has received an overwhelming amount of support from local communities and people with autism. We have regularly and consistently engaged with autistic people as part of the challenge, including having autistic people actively take part.

“However, in light of the recent reaction the charity have taken the decision to suspend the Locked In For Autism campaign pending a comprehensive review.

“We apologise for any distress caused as that was most certainly not our intention.”